32. North River by Pete Hamil

North River is a beautifully told story about a doctor serving the lower-incomed people in his neighborhood along with the occasional mobsters in the later 1930's of New York City. A flawed but caring man, Delaney moves from day to day in a cloud resulting from his wife's abandonment and his daughter's pregnancy and marriage a few years earlier. He fills his lonely days by caring for those around him. He returns one day to find his daughter has left his grandson, Carlito, at his house while she searches for her missing husband. His anger at his daughter intertwined by his wonder at the gift that is Carlito are wonderfully dewcribed and so believable. Rosa enters his life as a housekeeper and nursemaid but soon becomes much more to the doctor. Color is added to his life and he finds reason to truly live his life. Then Delaney becomes involved in a gang war that threatens not only his life, but that of Carlita and Rosa. Sometimes his decisions may not be the most ethical but they are the ones that will keep his family safe. This story runs the gamut of suspense, deep emotions, a sense of community, romance and tragedy. Just as absorbing is the backdrop of 1930's New York City. And the wonder of the a three-year-old boy as he is introduced to the sights of that city was absolutely charming. I really enjoyed this book. Rating: 4.75